Cogswell, William

William Cogswell (August 23, 1838 – May 22, 1895) was elected mayor, Sept. 26, 1867, on the resignation of Mayor Roberts, and served in 1868-1869 and again in 1873-74. He was born in Bradford, Aug. 23, 1838 and graduated from Harvard Law School.

Cogswell was commissioned a captain in the Second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, May 11, 1861. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on October 23, 1862, and to colonel on June 25, 1863.

Colonel Cogswell was brevetted Brigadier General of Volunteers by appointment of the President on December 12, 1864 to rank from December 15, 1864, and the award of this honorary grade was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 14, 1865. Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General Cogswell was mustered out of the U.S. Volunteers on July 24, 1865.

He was with Sherman during his memorable march through Georgia.

Cogswell was elected as a Republican to the 50th United States Congress and to the four succeeding congresses and served from March 4, 1887, until his death in Washington, D.C., May 22, 1895. He was interred in Harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem, Massachusetts.

Trained as a lawyer, he returned to practice after leaving politics.

See Also

• Historical sketch of Salem by Osgood, p. 59

• Memorial addresses on the life and character of William Cogswell (late a representative from Massachusetts), delivered in the House of representatives and Senate, Fifty-fourth Congress, first and second sessions c 1897

• William Cogswell Find a grave burial info